[Korea Busan Restaurant Review] Donnabi — A Retro Korean BBQ Gem in Gwangalli
Hello everyone!
Today, I’m sharing my review of one of my favorite local Korean BBQ spots in Gwangalli, Busan — a place called Donnabi.
📍 Address: 51, Millak-ro 34beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan
⏰ Hours: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Lately, it feels like every Korean BBQ place in Busan has leveled up —
but even among all the good ones, Donnabi really stands out.
As a Gwangalli local myself, I can confidently say this is the spot for great meat and that cozy, retro vibe. 😋
The moment you see the entrance, you’ll notice the vintage Korean style that makes the place feel nostalgic and warm.
The interior matches that vibe perfectly — retro lighting, old-school décor, and a lively atmosphere that feels like dining in someone’s backyard.
🐖 Menu & Prices
Each table comes with a little menu and even a guide on how to grill pork the right way.
Pork belly (120g) for 11,000 KRW?
That’s a great deal for the quality you get here — total bang for your buck! 💸
And let me tell you — even the side dishes were delicious, every single one of them.
They even serve boiled pork slices (suyuk) as part of the basic sides —
we ended up wrapping them in lettuce with garlic and sipping beer before the main meat even came out. Perfect combo! 🍺
My friend joked that when a place removes the garlic stems before serving,
you just know it’s a serious restaurant — and they were right.
Donnabi really proves that when the basics are done right, everything else follows. ❤️
🌧️ The Perfect Rainy-Day BBQ
It happened to be raining that day,
and the sound of raindrops outside mixed with the sizzling pork belly on the grill…
Honestly, it was such a Busan mood moment. ☔️
We ordered three servings of pork belly and one serving of neck meat (mok-sal).
The presentation was spot on — the meat came out pre-sliced and ready to grill,
and they even included slices of sundae (Korean blood sausage), potatoes, and bok choy on the side.
Such a thoughtful touch — and yes, everything was delicious.
🔥 Grilling Time!
The fire here is amazing.
Strong, steady heat — no waiting around for the grill to get hot.
As soon as the pork belly hit the pan, it started to sizzle,
and I finally understood what people mean when they say
“the sound of rain and the sound of grilling meat are the same symphony.” 😄
The meat quality was fantastic — tender, juicy, and flavorful.
While grilling, we kept saying, “Wow, this is actually so good,” and
I immediately sent the place to a few friends.
Oh, and the side dishes make it impossible to get bored —
you can mix and match in any way, and it all tastes great.
One of the owner’s recommendations was to try the kelp wrap (dashima) with spicy salted chili sauce,
and it was insanely good — a salty, spicy, umami explosion!
🥩 The Star: Pork Neck (Mok-sal)
If you visit Donnabi, you must try their pork neck.
It’s incredibly soft and juicy, with a little layer of fat that gives it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
My friend grilled it like a pro, and when we cut into it, the inside looked just like a steak —
perfectly cooked and tender.
We wrapped it with bok choy and it was divine.
Honestly, I didn’t expect bok choy to go so well with grilled pork — a total revelation!
🍠 Bonus Treats: Sundae & Potatoes
When we grilled the leftover pieces with sundae and potatoes,
the smell alone made us hungry all over again.
Seriously — this place deserves to be called not just a meat restaurant, but also a sundae spot.
The sausage was flavorful, chewy, and unlike any other I’ve had.
We ended up ordering one more serving of pork belly and a side of fresh kimchi salad,
and of course — some soju and beer to go with it. 🍻
🍲 The Finishing Touch — Doenjang Stew
To wrap it all up, we ordered the doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew),
which came loaded with tofu, crab, clams, and slices of pork.
The broth had a rich seafood flavor — exactly what you want after all that grilled meat.
It balanced everything perfectly.
Even the rice came in those old-school metal bowls,
and we couldn’t resist mixing it with the stew for that classic Korean comfort-food finish. 🍚
On our way out, we found a cozy little corner space that looked perfect for group dinners —
we said it felt like having a BBQ at grandma’s house.
And yes, we even grabbed a free yogurt drink by the door before leaving —
the perfect sweet ending to a hearty meal.
Donnabi is everything you want from a Gwangalli local BBQ spot —
great meat, nostalgic vibes, and that homey warmth that makes you want to come back again and again. ❤️
#best korean food, #best restaurants in busan, #busan restaurant near me
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